Here in Chicago, we are expecting at least a full week of temperatures from the high 80s to the mid 90s (Fahrenheit). It's a good time for all of us to take a minute to think about how we and our pets can stay safe and comfortable despite the high temperatures.
Probably most important: pets (or children!! there have already been heat related deaths of children this summer in parked cars here in the midwest and even one is way too many) should not be left in your parked vehicle... "cracking" the windows is NOT enough. The temperature inside a parked car can climb to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit in a matter of 15 minutes or less. Even on a relatively comfortable 80 degree day, the interior of a closed up car parked in the sun can hit 120 degrees in a fairly short time. Think twice as to whether your pet really needs to accompany you on a trip to a place that will not allow you to bring him in with you. He would probably rather stay home in the air conditioned comfort of your house anyway!!
Whether your pet stays indoors or outdoors, make sure he has access to shaded areas and a source of cool, clean water. Use good sense in limiting exercise time and intensity in hot weather.
If your pet starts to show signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke... it is an EMERGENCY. You need to start cooling your pet down as quickly as possible. Move him to a cool shaded area and submerge him in cool (not ice cold) water if possible, or hose him down with cool water. Concentrate on the groin and "armpit" areas where there are many blood vessels. Get him to a vet as soon as possible as heat stroke can adversely affect many of the body's systems and can cause permanent damage if not attended to quickly.
It's not getting any cooler out there here in our world. Guess we'll have to find some nice indoor games to play today :) .
Found your site through the Blog-a-thon sponsor list for Lynda (of So Very Posh) and I'm so glad I did!! I work at a huge veterinary teaching hospital and at lunch the other day, we were discussing poeple that leave their pets in cars. General opinion is, of course, that they just ain't too bright....but the big question is what would ya do if you see a dog or cat in distress locked in someone's car? Do you break the window or just call for help? It may get me fined or even locked up for a few days but I'd break the window and then phone for help....
I am so glad that the heat in our parts (I'm just west of you in Rockford) has died down. I don't have air conditioning myself, but I managed to survive. During the dusk it was actually cooler hotside than inside!
Wow, being from Texas it's painful to hear about people who have no central air. I guess in this area, it's given to have that! It is 104 outside right now, blah!
amen to keeping your pets and kids safe!!
amen to keeping your pets and kids safe!!
*wavies* I've decided to give out little sponsorship gifties @ blogathon, so you get to have your very own custom-made-by-rickabeth graphic :) details are in my blog, email me if you're interested! :lol:
Hi Kathi! We've had central air for a little over 2 weeks now and my 3 kitties are enjoying it very much. :) Makes it all nice and cool for them to nap! LOL :)
I'm so glad my mother got central air, and timbit is one happy cold pup
GAK! On the train on the way in to work this morning, I managed to get into a car that had no lights on and no air conditioning. It was horrible... *whimper*